Pony finds love online

THEY say Internet dating opens up new avenues in life and, in one particular case, it has never been truer.

Minty the one-eyed pony was devastated when his long-term partner and best friend 35-year-old Lulu died just a few weeks ago.

Nothing his owners Julia and David Gibbons did could cheer up broken-hearted Minty – until they logged on to the Internet, with surprising results.

Mrs Gibbons, who co-owns the Tamar Valley Donkey Park at St Ann’s Chapel, near Gunnislake in South East Cornwall, with her husband, said: “Poor Minty didn’t know what to do with himself. There seemed to be nothing we could do to help either. He constantly looked around and whinnied for Lulu.

“We tried to encourage him to befriend some of the other donkeys, but they just didn’t seem to compare.”

Searching online for other lonely ponies, she found Mini-Moo, a black and white Miniature Shetland pony from Dawlish, South Devon, that needed a new home.

Tamsin said: “Mini-Moo has a problem with her leg that means she can’t be ridden. She needed a new home and we decided to introduce her to Minty.” Mini-Moo travelled to St Ann’s Chapel and when the pair were introduced it was love at first sight.

“There wasn’t a moment of hesitation, they bonded immediately and we could see the difference in Minty,” said Mrs Gibbons.

“They stick together side by side, and Minty is gradually introducing Mini-Moo around the park to all of our other animals. “She has quickly become a part of the park’s family and our regular visitors have been delighted with our happy ending.”

The Tamar Valley Donkey Park is Cornwall’s only donkey sanctuary. It is home to more than 30 donkeys, many of whom are rescued or brought to the park for a better life.The park houses other rescued animals including ponies, goats, sheep, pigs, rabbits and guinea pigs.